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July 2025
PXI-5421
PXI-5421, Compact, 1 Slot, 16-Bit DAC Resolution, PXI Waveform Generator
Actual item may vary if no part number is provided on quote request.
✔ 2 Year Warranty Included
✔ Free Domestic Ground Shipping
✔ NIST Calibration Available
Andrew Gar**** Verified Buyer
" Amazing to work with and had my order within 1 week after purchasing with all NI certs and data that were needed. "
March 2025
Said Sai**** Verified Buyer
" Competent contact for highly specialized components. The support team is very knowledgeable. Many thanks for the help and the fast shipping! "
January 2025
Bob C**** Verified Buyer
" Jason was able to get our emergency situation taken care of quickly and professionally. "
May 2025
Gregg Flecki**** Verified Buyer
" Great service and great products. This is my 2nd time using Apex Waves, truly impressed. "
January 2025
Carol Zimme**** Verified Buyer
" Very responsive and helpful, competitive pricing. Good source! "
July 2025
Andrew Gar**** Verified Buyer
" Amazing to work with and had my order within 1 week after purchasing with all NI certs and data that were needed. "
March 2025
Said Sai**** Verified Buyer
" Competent contact for highly specialized components. The support team is very knowledgeable. Many thanks for the help and the fast shipping! "
January 2025
Bob C**** Verified Buyer
" Jason was able to get our emergency situation taken care of quickly and professionally. "
May 2025
Gregg Flecki**** Verified Buyer
" Great service and great products. This is my 2nd time using Apex Waves, truly impressed. "
January 2025
National Instruments PXI-5421 PXI Waveform Generator
The National Instruments PXI-5421 (part numbers: 778697-01, 778697-02, 778697-03, and 778697-04) is a versatile PXI waveform generator designed with a single slot and a sample rate ranging from 10 S/s to 100 MS/s. The module combines 16 bits of DAC resolution and a maximum onboard memory size of 512 MB in order to create exact and aperiodic waveforms. A compact, one-slot, 3U PXI module by design, the PXI-5421 is an excellent choice for test and measurement applications within communication, research, automotive, and military/aviation industries.
By utilizing Synchronization and Memory Core (SMC), users of the PXI-5421 can synchronize the generator with other instruments such as digitizers to create stimulus-response test frameworks. Additionally, the generator can be synchronized with arbitrary waveform generators in order to shape a phase-coherent multichannel generator framework (often with identical modules).
The four unique part numbers of the PXI-5421 differ in their onboard memory sizes. Part number 778697-01 has 8 MB, part number 778697-02 is equipped with 32 MB, part number 778697-03 includes 256 MB, and part number 778697-04 features a total of 512 MB. The PXI-5421 PXI Waveform Generator has a maximum bandwidth of 43 MHz, offering excellent performance in a compact device. In terms of software, it operates using the NI-FGEN driver software, which is compatible with application development environments such as LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, and Measurement Studio.
This PXI Waveform Generator comes with a software-selectable output enable feature (CH 0). When disabled, this feature is terminated with a 1 W resistor that has a value equal to the selected output impedance. Conversely, the Maximum Output Overload of the CH 0 output terminal can be connected to a 50 Ω (±12 V) source without sustaining any damage. Physically, the PXI-5421 measures dimensions of 21.6 × 2.0 × 13.0 cm (8.5 × 0.8 × 5.1 in.) and weighs in at a total of 345 g (12.1 oz). The front panel of the device features two LED indicators, which provide quick visual insight into the status of the PCI bus (ACCESS) and of the onboard generation hardware (ACTIVE) of the device.
The PXI-5421 is no longer available from the manufacturer National Instruments (NI), but the PXI Waveform Generator will remain available in perpetuity for purchase and repairs with Apex Waves!
| Model | PXI-5421 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | National Instruments |
| Part Numbers | 778697-01, 778697-02, 778697-03, 778697-04 |
| Type | PXI Waveform Generator |
| Maximum Bandwidth | 43 MHz |
| Bus Connector | PXI Hybrid (PXI-5421 modules of revision D or later) |
| Update Rate | 100 MS/s (Maximum) |
| Analog Output Voltage Range | -6 V to 6 V |
| Arbitrary Waveform Support? | Yes |
| Digital Upconversion? | No |
| RF Signal Generation? | No |
| Arbitrary Sequence Mode Support? | Yes |
| Onboard Memory Sizes | 8, 32, 256, or 512 MB |
| Output Channels | 1 |
| Dimensions | 8.5 × 0.8 × 5.1 in. |
| Weight | 12.1 oz. |
| PXI-5421 Manual | User and Maintenance Manuals Available for Download |
| Price | Request a Quote for Pricing Information |
Associated part numbers for PXI-5421:
National Instruments PXI-5421 Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What is the difference between the four part numbers for the PXI-5421?
Answer: Part number 778697-01 has 8 MB of onboard memory, while part number 778697-02 has 32 MB of onboard memory. Part number 778697-03 has 256 MB of onboard memory, and part number 778697-04 has a 512 MB onboard memory size.
Question: How often should the NI PXI-5421 be calibrated?
Answer: The PXI Waveform Generator should be calibrated every two years.
Question: What is the driver software for the waveform generator?
Answer: The driver software for the PXI-5421 is NI-FGEN.
Question: What is the maximum sampling rate of the NI PXI-5421?
Answer: The maximum sampling rate is 100 MS/s.
| Part Number | Memory Size |
|---|---|
| 778697-01 | 8 MB |
| 778697-02 | 32 MB |
| 778697-03 | 256 MB |
| 778697-04 | 512 MB |
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